Merging photos

[BMWJNKY]

This weekend I took some photos of my cousins doing flips on their trampoline at about 5 frames a second. How do I merge the photos so it has them at each point in there flip but with just one background?

Like this but just not a panoramic.

[Ronnoco]

I would take a totally different approach. I would put the camera on a tripod toward evening, using a slow shutter speed. With an auxiliary flash, I would set it to multiple flash. The result would be 2 or 3 images on each frame of the same jump, which would make creating a composite that much easier and more precise.

Ronnoco

[Photo-John]

To create a sequence like the on your posted, you use Photoshop layers. It works best if you shoot on a tripod because you can just copy and paste the images into new layers without worrying about the registration. If you didn't use a tripod, copy and paste all the images into new layers, then change the transparency of a layer to 50% so you can nudge it into the correct position by moving it and rotating it. Then repeat for the rest of the layers.

After you get the layers all registered, either create layer masks or delete everything but the jumper in each layer. You'll need the full version of Photoshop to create a layer mas, I think. Layer masks are the preferred method because you can edit them later, if you need to.

This is a time-consuming process, but it's very effective when you want a good sequence. It's pretty common in action sports photography, like the photo you linked to. I've made lots of them for mountain bike shots.

[BMWJNKY]

I would take a totally different approach. I would put the camera on a tripod toward evening, using a slow shutter speed. With an auxiliary flash, I would set it to multiple flash. The result would be 2 or 3 images on each frame of the same jump, which would make creating a composite that much easier and more precise.

Ronnoco

Well that would be great but I don't have an external flash yet, and I already took the pics. I know what I want to do can be done, I've seen others on here do it, I just don't know how to do the process or where to find the instructions how to do it on my own. I found something similar in my Scott K. CS2 book but I don't think it is going to do what I need it to.

[cyberlord]

Here is a quick and very dirty approach using layers and masking like Photo John described.

If you take your time (I didn't) the results can be very good.

Tim

[BMWJNKY]

To create a sequence like the on your posted, you use Photoshop layers. It works best if you shoot on a tripod because you can just copy and paste the images into new layers without worrying about the registration. If you didn't use a tripod, copy and paste all the images into new layers, then change the transparency of a layer to 50% so you can nudge it into the correct position by moving it and rotating it. Then repeat for the rest of the layers.

After you get the layers all registered, either create layer masks or delete everything but the jumper in each layer. You'll need the full version of Photoshop to create a layer mas, I think. Layer masks are the preferred method because you can edit them later, if you need to.

This is a time-consuming process, but it's very effective when you want a good sequence. It's pretty common in action sports photography, like the photo you linked to. I've made lots of them for mountain bike shots.

I'll give this a try, I'm not too familar with CS2 yet but I do have the full version.

[BMWJNKY]

Ok, I put all the layers together but I have no idea how to remove everything but my cousin jumping so that he is not transparent anymore. Are there any books that would help me with this process becuase I plan on doing these kind of shot alot?

[cyberlord]

After you paste each image in it's own layer, they will need to be registered (moved so they are all in sync with each other). You start with the bottom layer and the layer above it. Turn the opacity of the above layer down until you can see the image in the layer beneth it. Then grab the image and move the transparent layer until it lines up with the layer below. Set opacity back to 100%. Repeat for all the other layers.

Now create layer mask in each of the top layers. The bottom or background layer doesn't need one.

Then start at the bottom again. Turn off all the other layers. Select the above layer's mask (this is important, make sure you select the white area in the layers area and not the image area.) Then take a pure black color on a softedged brush and paint over the area in the bottom layer where you want the bottom image to show through. Use a larger brush size for larger areas. You might want to reduce the above layer to 50% opacity during this process also so you can see the image below and know where to paint the mask.

Just keep repeating the same proccess for each set of layers as you go up. Remember to select the mask layer or you will paint black on your image like I did in one of the layers. I left all my errors so I could point them out to you.

The sidewalk error was probably caused by a rotational difference in one of the frames. The black area happened because I painted black on the image instead of the mask. In reality I didn't notice the errors at first until I was complete and I wasn't about to go back in history to fix it.

Just remember, proper registration is critical to the final result and remember to paint black only in the mask area of each layer.

Hope this helps,

Tim

[BMWJNKY]

After you paste each image in it's own layer, they will need to be registered (moved so they are all in sync with each other). You start with the bottom layer and the layer above it. Turn the opacity of the above layer down until you can see the image in the layer beneth it. Then grab the image and move the transparent layer until it lines up with the layer below. Set opacity back to 100%. Repeat for all the other layers.

Now create layer mask in each of the top layers. The bottom or background layer doesn't need one.

Then start at the bottom again. Turn off all the other layers. Select the above layer's mask (this is important, make sure you select the white area in the layers area and not the image area.) Then take a pure black color on a softedged brush and paint over the area in the bottom layer where you want the bottom image to show through. Use a larger brush size for larger areas. You might want to reduce the above layer to 50% opacity during this process also so you can see the image below and know where to paint the mask.

Just keep repeating the same proccess for each set of layers as you go up. Remember to select the mask layer or you will paint black on your image like I did in one of the layers. I left all my errors so I could point them out to you.

The sidewalk error was probably caused by a rotational difference in one of the frames. The black area happened because I painted black on the image instead of the mask. In reality I didn't notice the errors at first until I was complete and I wasn't about to go back in history to fix it.

Just remember, proper registration is critical to the final result and remember to paint black only in the mask area of each layer.

Hope this helps,

Tim

I apreciate the tips but I have no idea how to do the layer mask so I'm going to get another CS2 book tomorrow after work. Once I get it figured out I'll post the final product.

[Photo-John]

I apreciate the tips but I have no idea how to do the layer mask so I'm going to get another CS2 book tomorrow after work.

Layer > Add Layer Mask

Just play with it. You'll figure it out.

[BMWJNKY]

Layer > Add Layer Mask

Just play with it. You'll figure it out.

I'm sure I will but it would be like me talking BMW's with you guys. It would half way make sence about what I'd be talking about but not really grasping all of the terms.